Sparrow

Sparrow is an adoptable male Boxer looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Sparrow, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/28/2026 08/28/26 16:21 Canine has shown inconsistent responses to handlers, including episodes of behavior escalation. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/2/26 to prevent further progression and support ongoing evaluation. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/3/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/28/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 8/26/2026 Handler was asked to help shift dog inside after AM cleaning. Have not approached or handled this dog previouslly. Dog was standing in outside kennel at kennel front; ears pinned; closed mouth; apprehensive. Handler greeted dog with friendly tone and leash; dog immediately softened and had a low tail wag; took treats; began whining. Handler went inside to close guillotine and unlock front side of kennel for return. When handler re-approached dog would wag tail and paw at door to exit; allowed leashing easily; pulled out of kennel with loose body; wagging tail; ears back; other dogs were closed inside on the way to yard; approached empty kennels and sniffed; entered yard and sniffed with soft body; no longer interested in treats. Dog would pant and jump onto handler's lap; easily directed down. Took dog to larger yard with more space; tried throwing tennis ball; not interested. Dog would explore yard independently; panting; tail wagging; allowed brief petting. Handler was able to retreive leash; dog jumped onto handler once but directed off immediately. Walked with mild pull back to kennel building; wagging tail; walked past barking dogs with no reaction; walked straight to kennel and entered right away; allowed leash removal easily by hand. 8/25/2026 Assisted with shifting dog for AM cleaning. Dog was outside, standing at kennel door with soft body and wagging tail, took treats but didn't eat. Easy to leash, moderate/hard pull to yard, easy to direct when needed, ignored kenneled dogs. Affiliative with handler, wiggly body and wagging tail, front paws on lap soliciting attention, leaned into handler, open mouth pant, tongue lolled, eyes closing, allowed petting all over. Unfamiliar handler entered yard, dog approached with soft body and wagging tail, attempted to jump up soliciting attention, able to redirect off with light leash pressure, dog settled and allowed pets, ignored treats. Able to walk back to inside portion of kennel with no issues, easy return, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. Requesting 2nd attempt be performed by unfamiliar handler. 8/23/2026 Dog was in outside back of kennel and needed to be moved to inside for AM cleaning. When handler aporached back of kennel, dog lunged at kennel door and showed teeth at handler. Handler verbally coaxed dog and let dog sniff hand through kennel door. Dog snapped at kennel door and began low growling while having hackles raised. Handler did not attempt to open kennel door or leash dog. 8/20/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 8/20/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 8/13/2026 Moved dog from outside portion of kennel to inside for AM cleaning, leashed easily, moderate pull on leash, did not react to dogs while walking by them. Went into kennel very easiy, another handler removed leash easily. 8/11/2026 In outside portion of kennel due to not shifting for AM cleaning, some pacing in back of kennel with wagging tail and wiggly body as handler knelt down at front of kennel but would not pass divider, some play bows, retreated to back corner of kennel with wagging tail, sat in front of kennel door, no interest in treats or coaxing, would not come forward. Closed divider and dog had soft wiggly body in back of kennel, accepted treats gently and solicited attentions with handler, some jumping on door but allowed for easy leash placement. Exited with some pulling, loose tail wag on way to play yard. Once in yard dog had high energy throughout with soft neutral body and wagging tail, some rough play towards handler throughout evaluation, will jump up onto handler as handler was seated, accepted pets all over and accepted treats, able to direct off with no issues. Explored around yard with soft neutral body and wagging tail, not interested in activities outside of yard, will return to handler quickly for attentions. Took interest in rope toy in yard, would play tug-o-war with handler, allowed handler to reach for toy repeatedly with no issues. Jumped up onto handler and quickly pawed/grabbed handlers leg but let go quickly, some high arousal setting in with more tense wiggly body when jumping onto handler, eyes wide, wide mouth panting, would continue to solicit attentions with handler and allowed handler to direct away with treats or verbal commands with no issues. Came to handler when called over to exit, some pulling back to kennel but settled once inside building. Walked into kennel on own, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 8/9/2026 Pulled dog out from back of kennel to move to front during AM cleaning, easy to leash walked out, when entering main building got nervous and flipped back towards handler, redirected and walked back outside of building with dog and waited for EET staff. 8/5/2026 K9 attended offsite event. 8/2/2026 Dog was being moved to adoptable kennel. Dog walked to kennel with no issue. Entered new kennel with no issue. 7/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Timid, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Pulled from back. In yard, immediately put front legs on my lap and tried to kiss my face when I sat. Loved affection on head & face; gave big smiles in return. Stepped into kiddie pool to take a drink. Timid at first, then extremely friendly. Fun boy! 7/20/2026 Dog did not eat, was barking in kennel. 7/20/2026 Soft and wiggly, easy leashing, allowed all handling and vaccine booster, easy kennel return, easy leash removal. 7/19/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sparrow was such a happy boy, his tail never stopped wagging! He would jump up politely to offer affection and solicits pets. He checked in often for reassurance as he would explore and take in his environment. He was such a GOOD boy! 7/17/2026 Didnot eat 7/15/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in treats, Easy/Loose Leash, Timid, Sit, Closed divider & pull (dog did not want to cross divider), came up to gate, easy leash, loose leash to yd; timid initially, came in for pets w/ tail tuck - later, opened up, became playful, play bow w/ handler; calm, walk to kennels to sniff but not reactive; easy return 7/9/2026 Closed outside for AM cleaning. Dog was standing at kenenl door, tense, ears perked, high wagging tail, took treats. Dog shook head to avoid leash placement but remained at kennel door, took a few attempts to place leash. Dog exited kennel, walked loose leash to yard, showed no interest in other dogs. Affiliative with handler, soft body and wagging tail, front paws on lap soliciting attention, panting heavily, lolled tongue, eyes soft, allowed petting all over, sat for treats, took gently. Jumpy as handler picked up leash but settled quickly, sat when given verbal cue and took more treats, able to walk back to kennel with no issues, easy return, able to remove leash by hand. *Potential adopters should be counseled on slow introductions and proper decompression time to allow dog to adjust to new home. 7/8/2026 Requesting full eval due to previous observations. 7/7/2026 Dog did not eat 7/7/2026 walks on leash, allowed all petting and handling, able to vaccinate and microchip on ramp with muzzle wrap, grabby with treats, solicits attention, pulls on leash 7/7/2026 When performing intake and walking dog to kennel, I noticed he shudders at loud nearby noises and seems nervous of objects being waved above his head; such as scanners or water bowls 7/6/2026 Hesitant, allowed leashing while drinking, allowed lifting into kennel, nervous of scanner, nipped at scanner. Name: Sparrow Animal ID: A5167849 Breed: TAN/BLACK BOXER/MIX Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 56.6 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing B - 045 Intake Date: 7/6/2026 Deadline Date: 9/2/2026